Hex Heroes

Last updated
Hex Heroes
Hex Heroes.jpg
Developer(s) Prismatic Games
Designer(s) Mario Castañeda
Composer(s) Grant Kirkhope
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Wii U
Genre(s) Party, real-time strategy
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Hex Heroes is an unreleased-canceled party, real-time strategy game. Originally in development for Wii U since 2014, the console's eShop closed in March 2023. [1] The game remains unfinished, with plans to release on Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux. It is ostensibly being developed by Prismatic Games, [2] and designed by Mario Castañeda, who previously co-created The Bridge . [3]

Contents

Gameplay

Up to five players, one with the Wii U GamePad and four with Wii Remotes, harvest resources, build structures, fend off enemies, and explore dangerous territories. The player using the GamePad manages resources and teammates, makes executive decisions, and surveys the land from a bird's-eye view. [4] There are different classes to choose from with each playing a different role. [5]

Characters

The game features a number of characters from various franchises. Each character serves as a swap for each in-game class but has their own unique animations and personalities. [6]

CharacterSeries
Alicia [7] Heart Forth, Alicia
Zoya Trine
Egoraptor Game Grumps
Danny Game Grumps
Ross & OrphGame Grumps
Juan Guacamelee!
Max Mutant Mudds
Shovel Knight Shovel Knight
Rusty SteamWorld Dig
Lady Faye IV Rogue Legacy
Subject W Paradise Lost: First Contact
Cyrus Wizorb
The Drifter Hyper Light Drifter
Turing Read Only Memories
Hat Kid [8] A Hat in Time

Development

The idea came out from a game jam. The developers had reached out to Nintendo through its indie self-publishing program. [9] A project was created on Kickstarter to help raise $80,000 to develop the game. [10] The developers had got in touch with Grant Kirkhope and after a couple of months brought him on board. [11] Cameo characters, which the developers wanted to include but were unable to, were Beck, Shantae, Raz, and Steve. [11]

In April 2014, the game was successfully funded, having reached $86,000, though it hadn't reached any of its stretch goals. [12]

Hex Heroes was displayed at the 2015 GX3 convention held in December, and was well-received, landing Prismatic an investor. [13] The game was displayed at the 2016 GDC Play conference held in March, and was named as an honorable mention for the Best in Play award. [14]

In January 2018, Prismatic announced via Kickstarter that Nintendo denied access to their development kit to the Switch. Nintendo closed the 3DS and Wii U eShop in March 2023. [15] The game is currently incomplete and there is no indication that it will be completed. [16] [17]

Marketing

To help promote the game, the game's designer Mario Castañeda narrated an episode of Did You Know Gaming? covering the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. [18]

Related Research Articles

The Virtual Console is a defunct line of downloadable video games for Nintendo's Wii and Wii U home video game consoles and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mii</span> Avatar on several Nintendo video game consoles and mobile apps

A Mii is a customizable avatar used on several Nintendo video game consoles and mobile apps. The name Mii is a portmanteau of "Wii" and "me", referring to them typically being avatars of the players. Miis were first introduced on the Wii console in 2006 and later appeared on the DS, 3DS, the Wii U, the Switch, and various apps for smart devices such as Miitomo. Miis can be created using different body, facial and clothing features, and can then be used as characters within games on the consoles, either as an avatar of a specific player or in some games portrayed as characters with their own personalities. Miis can be shared and transferred between consoles, either manually or automatically with other users over the internet and local wireless communications.

Cypronia (formerly Cypron Studios, originally Ablaze Entertainment) is a Slovak indie video game developer based in Michalovce. Cypronia is largely a Microsoft Windows, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 developer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo video game consoles</span>

The Japanese multinational consumer electronics company Nintendo has developed seven home video game consoles and multiple portable consoles for use with external media, as well as dedicated consoles and other hardware for their consoles. As of September 30, 2021, in addition to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo has sold over 863.07 million hardware units.

<i>Swords & Soldiers</i> 2009 real-time strategy video game

Swords & Soldiers is a real-time strategy video game developed and published by Ronimo Games. It was released in Europe on May 15, 2009, and in North America on June 8. It is available for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, Wii, PlayStation 3, iOS, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and Nintendo Switch. Two Tribes released Swords & Soldiers on the Wii U eShop, which was released in North America and Europe on May 22, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo 3DS</span> Handheld game console

The Nintendo 3DS is a foldable handheld game console produced by Nintendo. The console was announced in March 2010 and unveiled at E3 2010 as the successor to the Nintendo DS. The system features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS video games. As an eighth-generation console, its primary competitor was Sony's PlayStation Vita.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wii U</span> Home video game console by Nintendo

The Wii U is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo eShop</span> Online service for Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo eShop is a digital distribution service for the Nintendo Switch, and formerly available via the Nintendo Network for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. The Nintendo eShop was first launched in June 2011 on the Nintendo 3DS via a system update that added the functionality to the HOME Menu. It is the successor to both the Wii Shop Channel and DSi Shop. Unlike on the Nintendo 3DS, the eShop was made available on the launch date of the Wii U, although a system update is required in order to access it. It is also a multitasking application, which means it is easily accessible even when a game is already running in the background through the system software, though this feature is exclusive to the Wii U and the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo eShop features downloadable games, demos, applications, streaming videos, consumer rating feedback, and other information on upcoming game releases.

<i>Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS</i> and <i>Wii U</i> Pair of 2014 video games

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, both commonly referred to together as Super Smash Bros. 4, are 2014 crossover platform fighter video games developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U video game consoles. It is the fourth installment in the Super Smash Bros. series, succeeding Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The Nintendo 3DS version was released in Japan on September 13, 2014, and in North America, Europe, and Australia the following month. The Wii U version was released in North America, Europe, and Australia in November 2014 and in Japan the following month.

The Nintendo Network was an online service formerly ran by Nintendo that provided free online functionality for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U systems and their compatible games. Announced on January 26, 2012, at an investors' conference, it was Nintendo's second online service after Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Former president of Nintendo Satoru Iwata said, "Unlike Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which has been focused upon specific functionalities and concepts, we are aiming to establish a platform where various services available through the network for our consumers shall be connected via Nintendo Network service so that the company can make comprehensive proposals to consumers."

<i>Mutant Mudds</i> 2012 video game

Mutant Mudds is a platform video game developed by Renegade Kid. Players control Max and Granny as they combat the titular invaders following a meteorite crash. The game was first released as a Nintendo 3DS eShop exclusive in 2012, and arrived on Microsoft Windows and iOS in 2012. An enhanced version of the game, titled Mutant Mudds Deluxe, was released in 2013 for Wii U and Microsoft Windows, and in 2016 for PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4. The Nintendo 3DS version was updated as the enhanced version in 2014.

<i>Game & Wario</i> 2013 video game

Game & Wario is a 2013 party video game developed by Nintendo and Intelligent Systems and published for the Wii U console, named after LCD Game & Watch titles. It is the eighth installment in the WarioWare series and part of the larger Mario franchise. The story stars Wario and his friends, who take advantage of a newly released video game console with two separate screens by making games for monetary gain. Game & Wario consists of 16 minigames that exclusively utilize the Wii U GamePad and its functions. Additional modes and collectibles are also unlockable. The majority of the minigames are single-player, although some are designed for multiplayer only.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wii U system software</span> Operating system for Nintendos Wii U home video game console

The Wii U operating system also known internally as Cafe OS is the official firmware version and system software for the Nintendo's Wii U home video game console. Nintendo maintains the Wii U's systemwide features and applications by offering system software updates via the Internet. Updates are optional to each console owner, but may be required in order to retain interoperability with Nintendo's online services. Each update is cumulative, including all changes from previous updates.

<i>Sonic Lost World</i> 2013 video game by Sega

Sonic Lost World is a 2013 platform game developed by Sonic Team. It is part of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and was released in October 2013 for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS in PAL regions by Nintendo and by Sega in North America and Japan. A port of the Wii U version for Windows was later released in November 2015.

<i>SteamWorld Dig</i> 2013 video game

SteamWorld Dig is a platform action-adventure game created by Swedish video game developer Image & Form. The second installment in the SteamWorld series after SteamWorld Tower Defense, SteamWorld Dig has the player control Rusty, a steam-powered robot who arrives at a small Western-Steampunk mining town called Tumbleton after having received a deed for a mine from his long-forgotten uncle, Joe. The objective of the game is to dig through Tumbleton's mine, which also involves solving puzzles and platforming to avoid traps and enemies.

<i>Earthlock</i> 2016 video game

Earthlock is a role-playing video game developed and published by the Norwegian company Snowcastle Games for Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, and Wii U. The Xbox One version was launched on September 1, 2016 worldwide. The Windows, OS X, and Linux versions, initially planned for release at the same time as the Xbox One release, were postponed to September 27, 2016. The game is planned to be the first volume of an Earthlock trilogy. The Wii U version was released on September 7, 2017 in Europe, and on September 14, 2017 in North America. A version for the Nintendo Switch was released on March 8, 2018. The game received mixed reviews from critics, who were heavily divided. Some called it a nostalgic throwback with memorable characters, while others panned its design as dated, and its art style, gameplay and/or story as bland or unoriginal.

<i>Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars</i> 2015 video game

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is a 2015 puzzle-platform game developed by Nintendo Software Technology and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. It is the sixth game in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series and the 200th video game featuring Mario. The game was released worldwide in March 2015 on the Nintendo eShop for all regions, and received a physical release in Japan. This is the first Nintendo-published title to support a cross-purchase concept; if players buy one version, they receive a free download code for the other version. The 3DS version is also the first Nintendo 3DS title to support Miiverse stamps.

Fast is a series of racing video games developed by German game developer Shin'en Multimedia. Released exclusively for Nintendo platforms, the series consists of three games, all following the same racing and phase-shifting formula, Fast Racing League, Fast Racing Neo, and Fast RMX.

References

  1. Plant, Logan (2023-03-26). "PSA: The Wii U and 3DS eShops Close Tomorrow". IGN. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  2. Schulenberg, Thomas (2014-03-30). "Hex Heroes is a five-player real-time strategy game for Wii U". Joystiq . Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  3. Whitehead, Thomas (2014-03-19). "Artist Behind "The Bridge" Planning a Party RTS For Wii U". nintendolife. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  4. Kuhar, Andrew (2014-04-22). "How Kickstarter game Hex Heroes is reimagining the real-time strategy genre for the Wii U (interview) pg. 1". VentureBeat . Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  5. Vanderwall, Joshua (2014-05-04). "Hex Heroes, A Party RTS, Makes Good On Wii U's Promises". The Escapist . Retrieved 2014-04-18.[ permanent dead link ]
  6. Speer, Josh (2014-04-14). "Crowdfunding Spotlight: Hex Heroes". Operation Rainfall . Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  7. Andrew (2014-04-19). "Update 4: Kickstarter shout outs and a stretch goal tease!". Kickstarter . Retrieved 2014-04-19.
  8. Prismatic Games LLC (2019-06-28). "Hex Heroes LIVES - A Meaty Progress Update". Kickstarter . Retrieved 2019-08-25.
  9. Good, Owen S. (2014-03-27). "Party RTS for the Wii U makes its pitch with help from some friends". Polygon . Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  10. Scullion, Chris (2014-03-28). "Hex Heroes on Wii U billed as 'the world's first party RTS'". Computer and Video Games . Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  11. 1 2 Brown, Aaron (2014-04-16). "Interview with Prismatic Games on Hex Heroes". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  12. King, Ashley (2014-04-24). "Hex Heroes has been successfully funded". WiiUDaily.com. Retrieved 2014-04-24.
  13. "We're Back!". Kickstarter. 2015-12-17. Retrieved 2016-04-12.
  14. "Good News, Everyone!". Kickstarter. 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2016-04-12.
  15. "Nintendo announces 3DS and Wii U eShop closures". Game Developer. 16 February 2022.
  16. "Hex Heroes - A Party RTS for Wii U/PC/Mac/Linux". Kickstarter. Retrieved 2018-07-07.
  17. "We Wikipedia Dan: So Many Projects - PART 4 - Game Grumps". YouTube . Game Grumps. July 29, 2018. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  18. Prismatic Games LLC (2014-03-30). "Saturday Update Bonanza Part II: DYKG & AMA FTW OMG BBQ". Kickstarter . Retrieved 2014-04-18.